Liverpool goalscorer Jordan Henderson says the half time team-talk from Brendan Rodgers turned around their evening and helped them to a win over Swansea.

The Reds took all three points after a much-improved second half performance gave them a 1-0 victory with Henderson's fortuitous goal enough to take three points.

Rodgers' side had struggled in the first half with the intensity of the home side, forcing a change in tactics at the break.

It's a great result [because] in the first half, we were very disappointed,” said Henderson. “We came in at half time and the gaffer had a few words to say, we knew second half we needed to go out and put in a better performance really.

“I felt as though we did that, when we went out second half we passed the ball a lot better, created a few chances as well and also solid at the back.”

Swansea's formation had caused Liverpool problems, with manager Garry Monk opting for a diamond-shaped midfield, outnumbering the visitors in the midfield.

Rodgers would alter the shape, as well as introduce Steven Gerrard off the bench midway through the second half.

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Henderson explained: “The change was very important. We were struggling in the first half to match them in terms of intensity and pressing the ball, so second half we changed it slightly and we were able to press better, press higher and I felt that was a big factor in the game.

“We matched them up with the diamond in the middle, that was something which caused us a bit of trouble in the first half.

“Swansea have played it in recent games and done really well, it's a difficult system to come up against but we changed the tactics and got it right.”

Henderson's winner was his 19th for the club – and the Reds haven't lost a game when he's found the net.

It's a run which evokes memories of Ian Rush, who went almost six seasons without losing a game in which he scored for Liverpool.

“I've still got to score a few more to be compared to people like that,” Henderson added. “The main thing is the three points.

“I personally need to improve on my assists and goals this season and I feel as though I'm doing that, but the most important thing was the three points and the momentum and hopefully we can keep that going.”

The win moves to within two points of Manchester United once more – and just four behind second-placed Manchester City.

The Reds face United on Sunday at Anfield knowing a win takes them into the top four and will be full of confidence, despite Louis van Gaal's side finding form at home to Tottenham this weekend.

“I watched the game [v Spurs],” said Henderson. We can't wait, we're high on confidence and have great momentum going into the game but United played well, so it will be a tough one – but at Anfield, we go in really confident and hopefully get the result we need.

“Both teams are in good form so I'm sure it will be a big game.

“Us as players want to be playing in big games and this certainly is one so we're going to prepare well this week, recover well and really look forward to the game Sunday and keep going.”

Meanwhile, Joe Allen also heralded the half-time turnaround after a fine individual display against his old club.

Allen signed from Swansea for £15m in 2012, and was a stand-out performer in midfield.

“In the first half, Swansea were on top, they made us work very, very hard. We got it right in the second half and it's three points,” said the Welshman.

It was a bit disappointing to be honest, our performances have been good throughout the 90 minutes and it was a bit of a shock to the system.

“But thankfully we got in level, maybe a bit lucky but came back out with a better attitude.

“We matched them up with the diamond in the middle, that was something which caused us a bit of trouble in the first half. Swansea have played it in recent games and done really well, it's a difficult system to come up against but we changed the tactics and got it right.”